This year I didn’t wait until July to visit my favorite farmers market. Pepper Place is in Birmingham, so it’s a bit more than an hour’s drive for me, but I usually turn the trip into a full day and pick up staples at Whole Foods while I’m in town. The market was lively and bright today — packed with families, kids, and plenty of dogs, some of them larger than I am. Everything looked fresh and beautiful, and arriving around 10 a.m. I noticed several stalls already low on stock, which was a good sign: people are supporting local growers and makers.
The market sits in the open parking lot of a renovated bottling plant, which is how it got the name “Pepper Place.” The old building now houses an art gallery, a café, and a garden gallery, giving the area a creative, community-focused vibe that complements the market perfectly.
Here’s what I picked up at the market:
- Carrots — crisp and sweet, great for snacking or roasting.
- Baby potatoes — perfect for simple roasted sides.
- Sweet potatoes — versatile for savory and sweet dishes.
- Spring lettuce and microgreens — tender and flavorful for salads.
- Cherry tomatoes — ideal for snacking, salads, or quick sauces.
- Baby squash — tender and delicious when sautéed or grilled.
- Fresh smoked sausage — adds smoky richness to many meals.
- A bundle of fresh dill — bright and aromatic for dressings and fish.
- A jar of jalapeño sweet onion salsa — great for chips, tacos, or as a condiment.
I may not make it back to Pepper Place before we head to Colorado, but when we return the market will be buzzing with peaches and tomatoes in season. I’m already looking forward to those summer flavors and the next trip to stock up on more local produce.